In preparation for this most unusual commencement, we asked the Blair faculty if they had any parting words for the members of the Class of 2020:
Best wishes to the Blair Class of 2020 from the Music “LiBlairy” staff! As you move on to new adventures in different places, remember the words of Ron Weasley: “When in doubt, go to the library.”
—The Blair Library Staff
Dear Seniors💗🌹🎓
I am sending a big virtual hug of congratulations to all of you!!! I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with many of you and see and hear you blossom over these four years! I look forward to celebrating this achievement next May with you, and hope you and your families are healthy and safe wherever you are!
— Amy Dorfman, Professor of Piano
Hello Graduating Seniors!
It’s a new world, and I’m grateful that you all will be heading up the future. Continue to make music and have fun. And remember that music can reach places where medicine can’t at times. (I know you’ll keep your “keyboard” fingers moving forever, both vertically and horizontally, at 76 or 88 keys.)
Stay safe and take good care.
— Karen Ann Krieger, Associate Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy; Chair of the Collegiate Piano Program
To Michael Remish,
ARGH!!! I can’t believe it’s already time for you to leave us! I’ve so enjoyed working with you these past three years — it’s been so much fun to watch you grow as a conductor and musician! I’m so very proud of the work you’ve done and of all that you’ve accomplished. I know you must be disappointed that the culmination of that work — a conducting audition at IU — didn’t materialize due to the COVID situation, and I’m disappointed for you too. Your day will come, I’m sure of it. I hope you’ll continue to work hard and to keep reaching high to accomplish all you want to do. I’m sorry that we won’t have the opportunity to celebrate together this May, but I do look forward to the day where we can do just that. In the meantime, please keep in touch!
— Emelyne Bingham, Senior Lecturer in the Teaching of Music
Congratulations to my dear student, violist Rachel Haber, one of Blair’s leading performers! Your talent, artistry, brilliance and dedication have impacted the entire Blair community during your four years. With your uncommonly compassionate and generous spirit, you emerged as a role model and mentor within the student body. That positive spirit was never more evident than in our weekly viola performance classes, where you always offered encouraging, supportive and perceptive critiques to all the students. We will miss you, and I look forward to keeping in close touch during the next exciting chapter of your musical journey.
— Kathryn Plummer, Professor of Viola
To all of the graduating seniors (especially our outstanding string players), you and your wonderful playing will be greatly missed! Please come back and visit and perform for us. Best of luck!
— Carolyn Huebl, Professor of Violin
Dear Maya Koteshwar,
What an inspiration it has been to watch you progress through the last two years of your study at Vanderbilt. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the Blair flute community, and for showing me your varied talents. Your creative writing skills and your thoughtful teaching methods will aid you in your musical pursuits. You place your personal stamp on every note that you play. Keep growing and visit Blair often!
— Molly Barth, Assistant Professor of Flute
To Nick Heilborn,
Wow — I can’t believe it’s already time for you to graduate! I’ve so enjoyed having you as a private conducting student these past years. It’s been so much fun watching you grow as a musician, a conductor, teacher and, most importantly, a human! I’m sorry to see your four years end without a bang-up celebration, but I’m so happy to know that we’ll at least have you at Vanderbilt for another year. We’ll just have to toast you twice in 2021! In the meantime, stay in touch, Mr. Heilborn!
— Emelyne Bingham, Senior Lecturer in the Teaching of Music
Dear Class of 2020,
Congratulations to all of you, on your graduation and on handling the unusual challenges of your final semester with extraordinary grace and courage! You are an exceptional class, and we will miss you more than you can know. Your string contingent has a special place in my heart, and I wish you the very best in the coming years. Stay in touch, come back to visit, and continue growing in the wonderful ways you have been doing for the last four years.
With the greatest admiration and affection,
— Connie Heard, Valere Potter Chair at the Blair School of Music; Professor of Violin; Chair of the Strings Department
To John Horzen,
You are definitely among the most versatile, creative, and enthusiastic musicians I have taught. I’ve learned a great deal from you about how powerful instinct is to musical expression. Thank you for all your contributions to the performing arts at Vanderbilt through your work in theater, composition and, of course, violin playing. Most importantly, thanks for always bringing your enthusiastic, genuine self to studio class. Best of luck at Yale and beyond! Congratulations!
— Carolyn Huebl, Professor of Violin